Abstract: In a device to test a person's attention or concentration ability, a series of digits is read out at a pre-determined, alterable speed by a speech recorder (62) and delivered by a speech generator (66) to headphones (10). The subject must press a button (16) every time a target (e.g. "0") is heard. Also every time a "0" is heard, a control unit (50) produces a window signal which is connected by an error logic circuit (70) to the key-press impulse. If the reaction is correct, the key-press impulse will be within the time window, and a counter (74) will accordingly increase the number of the "score". Any key-press impulse falling outside the time window is an omission error to be counted by another counter (75). The counter status is then analyzed to calculate an error index (I.sup.E).

Abstract: A connector set for percutaneous connection of an implanted device, such as an intracochlear implant, to an external system is disclosed. The connector set preferably has a base portion (30) which is adapted to be affixed to the bone structure beneath the skin and includes a male connector (1C), and a female connection (31) which is mated with and affixed externally to the male connector and is retained in contact therewith magnetically. A bias arrangement (9, 10) operates between the connector components (30, 31) so that while contact therebetween is normally firm, accidental disconnection carries a reduced risk of injury to a user.

Abstract: A blade for an isolator, in particular for a diverter or flap isolator, which comprises a plurality of plate arms (21) to be attached to an isolator shaft (31), and a pair of plates (22), preferably comprising an array of panels, attached to the plate arms (21) and separated by a gas space (23). The plates (22) are suitably provided with insulation (27) retained by cladding (28). The blade plates (22) will usually be provided with convolutions (24) to give them improved stiffness, and the blade plates will furthermore be welded or otherwise secured together by fastening means such as a series of short tubes (25) extending therebetween.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for an isolator, comprising a casing (1) having a flange (1a) to be mounted to the isolator to be driven, a lever arm assembly (2) connected at each end thereof to a respective one of a pair of identical double acting cylindrical rams (3), the other ends of the rams being respectively connected to opposite ends of the casing remote from the flange, wherein the identical rams are arranged to operate in opposite directions, the radial load exerted by one ram being equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the radial load exerted by the other ram.

Abstract: A device for separating multiple-component fluids includes a truncated cone structure having a conical main section defined by a plurality of coaxially aligned and axially spaced rings of progressively diminishing inner diameters as viewed in the direction of movement of the fluids being separated. The largest ring is located at that end of the conical main section at which the fluid is admitted thereto, and the smallest ring is located at that end of the conical main section at which separated solid particles are discharged. Each ring has an inside surface which is convexly curved in a radial cross-section along the axis of the cone structure and faces in part counter to and in part across the direction of fluid flow. The inside surface of each ring meets the bottom surface of that ring in a sharp edge, with the tangent to the bottom surface at that juncture making an angle of at most 90.degree.